Hitting the sea for some fun on the boat can be a great way to spend a lazy afternoon. However, unpredictable weather can turn happy times into harrowing ones.

To avoid danger get the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s weather radio, which will keep you up to date on all weather conditions while you’re out sailing, or even on land and planning a sailing trip.

A Small Craft Advisory is a warning sent out to those in smaller vessels informing them that current, developing or forecasted conditions could prove hazardous to smaller boats. Typically, this warning means winds are moving at roughly 18 knots and there might be hazardous wave conditions.

A Gale Warning means winds are moving between roughly 34 to 47 knots, or there are tropical cyclones traveling 34 to 63 knots.

A Storm Warning means winds are moving at least 48 knots, but could exceed that speed.

A Hurricane Watch warns both boaters and coastal residents that a storm is close enough that everyone in the area covered by the watch should be listening to their radios for updates and be prepared to take precautionary measures.

A Hurricane Warning means that winds of 64 knots and above are expected. Once this is issued, the precautionary measures you were planning during the Hurricane Watch should be put into effect.

A Special Marine Warning is issued when a severe local storm or brief, yet strong wind is imminent.

All of these boating warnings can be received when at sea by tuning your boat’s radio to a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association weather station, or any commercial stations that provides up to date marine weather information.